Jay Z Vol. 2 : Hard Knock Life

Posted on 09.29.1998

Jay-Z
Album : Vol. 2 :
Hard Knock Life
Release Date : Sept 29, 1998
Label : Def Jam

Review :

Only an artist of Jay-Z’s stature could have survived the indignity of In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, his stunningly poor second LP, and remain standing as one of the premier lyricists of his generation. Like Biggie did on Life After Death, Jay-Z diversifies his style here—with the Timbaland-laced "Nigga What, Nigga Who" and the dialogue "Coming of Age" (which revisits the young hustler from Jay-Z’s first LP, Reasonable Doubt)—demonstrating that even when experimenting with flow, he can still crush his peers. Though the album falters notably at the end (the lazy funk of "Paper Chase," "Reservoir Dogs," and "It’s Like That" could be safely cut without incident), Shawn Carter has nonetheless reclaimed his mantle as rap’s leading don.

Track Listings :
1. Intro-Hand It Down
2. Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)
3. If I Should Die
4. Ride or Die
5. Nigga What, Nigga Who (Originator 99) - Big Jaz
6. Money, Cash, Hoes - DMX
7. Week Ago
8. Coming of Age (Da Sequel)
9. Can I Get A... - Amil
10. Paper Chase
11. Reservoir Dogs
12. It’s Like That
13. It’s Alright [*]
14. Money Ain’t a Thang [*] - Jermaine Dupri

Buy "Vol. 2, Hard Knock Life"

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